Abstract:
Novel tools and techniques for tracing application execution and performance. Some of the tools provide a framework for monitoring the execution and/or performance of applications in an execution chain. In some cases, the framework can accomplish this monitoring with a few simple calls to an application programming interface on an application server. In other cases, the framework can provide for the passing of traceability data in protocol-specific headers of existing inter-application (and/or intra-application) communication protocols.
Abstract:
Tools and techniques related to the provision of location based services via a mobile communications device. A system might comprise a mobile communications device, a mobile communications base station, and a server computer system. The location of the device may be correlated with certain user preferences stored on the server computer system. Some techniques provide for activities to be undertaken based on the location of a device are described, including without limitation efficiently determining the location of a mobile device and mapping the location of the device, along with other features of interest, such as the locations of other devices.
Abstract:
Novel tools and techniques for providing a subscriber with converged voice services, in which calls to one of the subscriber's telephone numbers is routed to some or all of the subscriber's telephone numbers (e.g., sequentially or simultaneously, depending on system configuration and/or subscriber preference). Some implementations employ a VoIP switch to handle call distribution among the subscriber's various phone lines, even if some (or all) of the subscribers telephone lines are not VoIP lines. In such implementations, upon receiving an incoming call directed to one of the subscriber's lines, a service switching point will route the call to a VoIP switch. Instructed by an application server, the VoIP switch will set up call legs (e.g., via the PSTN) to one or more of the subscribers' telephone numbers. Optionally, when one of the call legs is answered, the application server will instruct the VoIP switch to disconnect the other call legs.
Abstract:
Novel tools and techniques that provide enhanced wireline services at one or more known wireline locations. In some cases, these tools and techniques involve determining that a subscriber is at one or more of the known wireline locations based on a detected location of the subscriber's wireless device (e.g., wireless phone, portable computer, etc.). Once the subscriber's presence at that wireline location has been detected, enhanced services can be provided to a wireline telephone at that location.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for handling calls in a dual-mode VoIP/cellular environment. Merely by way of example, some systems can be configured to determine whether to use a VoIP system or a cellular system to handle a particular call, and/or to transition a call from one network to the other network. Other systems can be configured to substitute a public number (which might be, for example, a VoIP number) for a private number (which might be, for example, a cellular number) when routing a call originating from a dual-mode phone on a cellular network. Further systems can be configured to allow a VoIP system to serve as an anchor for calls originated and/or delivered on a cellular system, for instance to facilitate a transition between cellular and VoIP service during a call.
Abstract:
According to the invention, a method for establishing a personal communication between an originating end and a terminating end of a communication system is disclosed. In one step, a first number of personal communication modes associated with the originating end is retrieved. A determination is made if a second number of personal communication modes associated with the terminating end comprises any personal communication modes compatible with the first number of personal communication modes. A compatible personal communication mode from the first number of personal communication modes and the second number of personal communication modes is chosen to indicate the compatible personal communication mode to the terminating end.
Abstract:
Tools are provided for distributing access-restricted content in an internet protocol television (“IPTV”) environment based on portable entitlement keys. Such tools can include a decoder, an encoder, and a network entitlement handler. The decoder may be configured to receive a key associated with entitlement information, and transmit the entitlement information over a network. The encoder may be configured to receive content from content providers, and to encode the content to create IP-compatible content, with access restrictions based on entitlement. The network entitlement handler may be configured to receive a request for requested content from the decoder; receive the access-restricted content including (including the requested content) from the encoder; and transmit the requested content over the network to the decoder using IP, when the decoder is entitled to receive the requested content.
Abstract:
Methods and systems provide a selected video segment to customer premises equipment. A request is received from the customer premises equipment for transmission of the selected video segment. A copy of the selected video segment is transferred to one of a plurality of buffers. One of the plurality of buffers is mapped through a routing network to a port interfaced with the customer premises equipment. The selected video segment is transmitted from the one of the plurality of buffers through the routing network and port to the customer premises equipment.
Abstract:
A method for providing the communication of information services between customer premises equipment (CPE) at a customer's premises and a source of the information services includes providing a demarcation device at the customer's premises. The demarcation device defines an interface between an external transport medium that is substantially external to the customer's premises and an internal transport medium that is substantially internal to the customer's premises. The method also includes establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between the demarcation device and the source of information services and establishing a virtual local area network (VLAN) between the demarcation device and the CPE.
Abstract:
A method of monitoring a plurality of network elements relating to a network includes receiving a X bit signal indicative of an alarm condition relating to one of the plurality of network elements and generating a Y bit signal representative of the alarm condition relating to the one of the plurality of network elements. The method further includes transmitting the Y bit signal over the network to a network monitoring location in an overhead portion of a data frame. According to the method, Y is greater than X.